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Stronger together for sexual health worldwide
Rutgers and Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland intend to merge to form a single organisation. By joining forces, both organisations can achieve even more for young people, women, LGBTQI+ people and people living with HIV. “At a time when sexual health, reproductive rights and the fight against AIDS are under pressure worldwide, collaboration is more important than ever. Now and in the future,” say directors Marieke van der Plas (Rutgers) and Mark Vermeulen (Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland).
Sexual and reproductive health, wellbeing and rights are increasingly threatened worldwide. Funding for HIV and AIDS control is drying up and the number of HIV and STI diagnoses is rising. Access to safe abortion care is increasingly restricted worldwide, and ultra-conservative and populist forces are hindering access to care and reliable information. “In this context, our work is more urgent than ever,” says Mark Vermeulen. “Society is counting on us to continue to champion what both organisations stand for: a world in which people can make their own choices about their bodies, relationships and futures, and where no one dies of AIDS.”
With the proposed merger, the organisations aim to combine their expertise, networks and resources to improve sexual health in the Netherlands and worldwide.
“We already collaborate successfully in several areas. With this next step, we will reach more people with reliable information and education and provide stronger support to professionals in healthcare and education. Together, we will work towards a healthy, safe and happy future for generations to come,” says Marieke van der Plas.
In the coming period, both organisations will be working on the practical implementation of the proposed merger. Nothing will change for donors of Aidsfonds and Rutgers; their contributions will continue to support the work they already care about, with all funds used exclusively for that purpose.
Questions and answers
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Why do the two organisations want to merge?
The world we live in is changing and conservative and populist voices are becoming more visible in debates on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The consequences for our work are significant: funding for HIV and AIDS control is drying up, and sexual health, wellbeing and rights worldwide are under increasing pressure. Society is counting on us to stay true to our mission: a world where people can decide freely about their bodies, relationships and futures. Where love and sexuality enrich wellbeing and happiness. And where AIDS is no longer a cause of death.
We believe it is important to join forces so we can offer a better response to the challenges of our time. We see this as an opportunity to increase our impact and will explore how we can put this into practice in the coming months. -
What are the benefits of the merger?
We believe that together we can make a difference – for young people, women and girls, LGBTQI+ people and people living with HIV. We also stand with the education and healthcare professionals who work with these groups every day, as well as parents and caregivers. The merger will also benefit policymakers, business community and international partners. Working together as one organisation, we can set a shared agenda and respond more effectively to changing social and political dynamics. This will allow us to shape the future ourselves, ensuring we are prepared for the challenges of the coming decades.
From a single, stronger organisation, we can make a meaningful difference in sexual and reproductive health and, in the long term, for young people, women and girls, LGBTQI+ people and people living with HIV. -
Why now?
In the current climate, our work is more urgent than ever, even as the environment becomes increasingly complex. To anticipate developments in the coming years, we are actively choosing this merger based on our collective strength. We believe that this merger will increase our impact on people who want to make their own choices about their bodies, relationships and futures. Especially at a time when sexual and reproductive health is under pressure, it is crucial to seek collaboration so that we are ready for the future and remain relevant in the future.
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What is an intention to merge? What does it entail?
After an initial exploratory phase, both organisations have expressed their intention to merge. Several in-depth questions still need to be answered before a final decision is made. Based on the results, a decision will be made. At this time, we expect the merger to be approved in the coming months.
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Is it final yet? When will the merger be final?
This phase involves further investigation of the merger after expressing a serious intention to do so. The decision on a final merger will be made next spring after the in-depth phase. During this phase, both Works Councils and Supervisory Boards will be involved in accordance with governance, legislation, and regulations. The final decision rests with the directors and Supervisory Boards.
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Will the scope of your work change because of the merger?
We are combining our strengths and expertise to support even more people in the Netherlands and beyond with their sexual health. This means we will continue to focus on the themes both organisations currently work on.